July 7-16, 2016

News

Hong Kong captures 11th at first U19 worlds

COQUITLAM - Hong Kong's No. 2 goalie Samuel Lai was terrific in the cage, making 12 saves on 16 shots, several from point-blank range as Hong Kong won the 11th-place game 13-4 over Korea on Friday afternoon at Percy Perry Stadium.

"Today was the last game and I didn't play a lot in previous games because I was our team's second goalie," Lai said. "Coach (Scott Browing) gave me the opportunity to do well. I'm happy for us that we won this game."

Korea got a three-goal afternoon from Jooyoung Jang. Joseph Son added a goal and assist.

"I think it's quite a breakthrough for the Hong Kong guys," Lai said. "This is the first time Hong Kong has been at the Under-19 world championships - we look forward to good development to come in Hong Kong, we hope it will continue."

Hong Kong head coach Scott Browning said after months of preparation it was nice to go out with a win in Hong Kong's first-ever appearance at the FIL U19 worlds.

"The team's been together for a couple of months, and we've been playing amongst ourselves and against sort of local competition. As we've come together and been playing against international competition and Canadian high school and a club team has helped them to understand the speed of the game and the competitiveness of the game and little bit more intensity," Browning said. "And they rose to that challenge. It has taken a few games to get there and appreciate how intense and how aggressive and intense you need to be. They've learned how to do that and yesterday (against Scotland) they did that and today it helped as well."

"We've been able to develop lots of guys that are able to shoot and get scoring opportunities," Browning said of the growth of the Hong Kong program. "One of the things we have is a lot of team speed and we able to get some scoring chances because of it. Our shooting accuracy still needs a bit of improvement but they're getting their chances and we were able to score a lot of good goals that way."

The future is a bright one for the Hong Kong program with Browning and company looking ahead.

"The men's program and U19 prog in Hong Kong has a good solid base. We'll continue to develop and work with these guys. Our next major goal is the (senior) men's tournament in 2018 (in Manchester)," Browning said. "We've got a good start on a U19 program as well. There will be some good competition for spots two years from now."

Browning said the experience has been wonderful for the squad and support staff, along with many families who traveled to Coquitlam to take part in the experience.

"I think all of our guys have had a rally great time," Browning said. "We developed and we have seen what the rest of lacrosse world is about. They players have all enjoyed the Blue Division games and seeing and experiencing lacrosse at the next level up together."

The Hong Kong team had a chance to practice with Team Canada and play in some controlled scrimmage sets.

"Our guys had a great time and were thrilled to be there," Browning said. "They stepped up and played well. We didn't shy away and were not nervous. And the Canadian guys did great job of being ambassadors of sport. Our guys did well and stood up."

"I think it's the level of lacrosse that stands out from this experience," Lai said. "To watch the USA, Canadian and Iroquois and practice with Canada has been amazing. And to watch a showcase of the highest level of lacrosse has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Browning of Victoria, B.C., said this was an unforgettable experience.

"I have been very fortunate throughout my lacrosse career to compete and coach at this level, and to be able to participate in this tournament in my home province with friends and family around is pretty special and I'm really happy to bring Hong Kong to it."